Festival offers variety for film fans

International Film festival cameo in Gore

St James Gore manager Emma Carle is looking forward to the International Film Festival's stop off in Gore next week.

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Film fans and movie buffs of Southland rejoice - the New Zealand International Film Festival begins in Gore this week.

Fresh from the big screens in main centres around the country, about 20 New Zealand and foreign films will debut at the SBS St James Theatre in Gore.

Theatre manager Emma Carle said Gore was the only location in Southland to host the acclaimed event and she hoped there was enough support this year to secure it on the calendar in future.

"We're pretty central to other areas so hopefully we get a lot of people from around the region coming along.

It was exciting to be able to bring the festival to Gore, she said.

"I know I'm not the only one who drives to Dunedin on the weekends to see films (in the festival) and think what a shame it is I can only see the ones scheduled to play on the weekend."

Having the festival in such a central location for Southland meant many people would be able to see films through the week too, she said.

As well as being the only southern location, Gore was also the first stop outside the main centres for the festival, she said. "It's pretty cool, on the T-shirts it goes Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and then Gore."

"We're definitely the smallest location population-wise on the list.

The opening night gala screening of film Twenty Feet From Stardom tomorrow night was going to be a good one and she urged people to get tickets in advance.

It was a fascinating backstage pass into the lives of backup singers who inspired the biggest names in music, she said.

Many of the films screened were a view "now or never" opportunity, as some would not go out on general release, she said.

NZIFF director Bill Gosden said there was a great selection of films on offer in Gore.

"Gore really does have the greatest hits of the NZIFF 2013 programme. Antarctica: A Year on Ice and Gardening with Soul screened to sellout audiences in Auckland and Wellington, with ongoing demand for repeat sessions. Utu Redux and Giselle have been critically hailed and we're proud to be providing the world premiere screenings of these impressive films here in New Zealand. Get in early to see these audience favourites," he said.

Opening night tickets are available now through iticket.co.nz or from the theatre.